Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff accused of misusing PAC

SALT LAKE CITY — An ethics initiative sponsor says Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has violated the state's election laws and is requesting that the lieutenant governor's office investigate his fundraising activities.

Steve Maxfield says he filed a petition with Lt. Gov. Greg Bell's office on Monday. Maxfield is one of the primary sponsors of The Peoples Right, which is seeking to ban corporate campaign contributions.

Maxfield says Shurtleff has wrongfully used his political action committee in place of his office holder account.

Shurtleff denied any wrongdoing and said the petition is politically motivated. He said he and his campaign staff would fully cooperate with any investigation.

A message was left with Bell's office seeking comment.